Get To Know: John Wall

SI Staff | Oct 18, 2010

Get To Know: John Wall /

Get To Know: John Wall

In 2007, as a high school sophomore, Wall was known as one of the best basketball players in North Carolina. His summer league coach helped Wall land an invite to the 2007 Reebok All-American camp in Philadelphia, where he would face off against the best high school players in the country. Using his combination of speed and vertical hops, Wall dominated the competition, which included future NBA lottery pick Brandon Jennings, proving he was not just a big fish in a small pond.

By the time he was a fifth-year senior, Wall was Rivals' No. 1 recruit in the country. He averaged 19.7 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for Word of God Christian Academy, which was the runner-up for the North Carolina Class 1A state championship. On May 19, 2009, after flirtations with North Carolina and Memphis, Wall committed to play at the University of Kentucky.

In his collegiate debut against Miami University, Wall's stats were modest. He put up 19 points, five assists and zero steals. But with six seconds left and the game tied, Wall raced down the court, pulled up from 15 feet and nailed a jumper to win the game as time expired.

On Dec. 9, 2009, Wall made his debut at the world's most famous arena: Madison Square Garden. Never one to disappoint, Wall scored a season-high 25 points, including 12 of his team's last 15, as the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the UConn Huskies, moving the Wildcats to No. 3 in the AP polls.

For all the compliments Wall receives on his blinding speed and athletic dunks, his play-making ability can sometimes be overlooked. Against the Hartford Hawks, Wall reminded everyone who runs the point for the Wildcats. In the 104-61 dismantling of Hartford, Wall handed out a school-record 16 assists, breaking Travis Ford's record of 15 set 16 years ago.

Wall was able to bring the Wildcats to the Elite Eight, as he averaged 14.5 points, five rebounds and 7.8 assists during the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, a bout of cold shooting against West Virginia in said Elite Eight game ended the Wildcats quest for a national title.

At the conclusion of the season, college basketball lavished Wall with accolades. He was named SEC player of the year, first team All-America and he beat out fellow Wildcat freshman phenom DeMarcus Cousins for Sporting News Freshman of the Year.

Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images

On April 7, 2010, Wall announced that he would forgo his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility and declare for the NBA draft. He was the consensus first overall pick, and on June 24, the Washington Wizards took him with the first pick. A day later, the mayor of Washington D.C. declared June 25 as John Wall Day.

To nobody's surprise, Wall dominated the Las Vegas summer league. He averaged 23.5 points and 7.8 assists in four games, both of which led the league. Furthermore, Wall displayed impressive leadership and worked well with coaches, all of which you want to see from your future franchise player.

Wall enters the 2010-11 season as the Washington Wizards starting point guard. His on-court chemistry with Gilbert Arenas will largely define how this season goes, but bright days are certainly ahead in Washington.

Published Oct 18, 2010

SI STAFF